A Healthier You: Global Graphic of Health

Be accountable, to yourself and your children. Lead by example, make positive changes and be a role model. “Practice what you preach!” (www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/childhood-obesity.htm )

Health tips

• “Get routine exams and screenings.” Some check-ups are required once or twice a year. Some are required even less! Make sure to ask your doctor about blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, STD’s, prostate and breast cancer as well as colon, cervix and skin cancer. (www.cdc.gov/family/tipsgen.pdf)

• Vaccinations are key to preventative medicine! Vaccinations are important no matter what age you are. Your job, travel, lifestyle can all be determining factors of if you need vaccinations. (www.cdc.gov/family/tipsgen.pdf )

• Don’t be afraid to ask. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your doctor questions. You know your body better than anyone else, if something doesn’t seem right, ask about it. The more you know, the better you can take care of yourself!

• Find outlets from the stress in your life.

• Smoking is harmful to your health. Smoking can increase your risk of several types of cancer. There are many programs, aids and support for those who are trying to quit. Don’t pollute your body and the bodies of those around you with smoke! (www.cdc.gov/family/tipsgen.pdf )

• Sleep is important! Don’t deprive yourself of necessary sleep, it will help you function!

• Limit alcoholic beverages. Alcohol impairs your judgment, plus it is full of calories and sugars! Alcohol is hard on the liver and other organs and can lead to death if misused.

Eating

• “Eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day and less saturated fat can help improve your health and may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.” (www.cdc.gov/family/tipsgen.pdf )

* Get kids in the kitchen. They will be more likely to eat things they have prepared. It’s a great way to help them eat more fruits and vegetables and try new foods. (www.mealtime.org)

* Try hiding veggies and fruits in things kids already eat. Chop them up in salads or sauces and they will never know they are there! (www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/childhood-obesity.htm )

• Moderation is trick. Don’t deprive yourself from the things you love just eat them in moderation, be mindful of serving sizes and know when to stop eating! (www.fitness.gov/10tims.htm )

• Try starting your day with breakfast. It’s a great way to jump start your metabolism and stimulate your brain. Remember, when you wake up in the morning you haven’t had food in several hours. Replenish your body for the day ahead! (www.fitness.gov/10tims.htm )

• Check out the food pyramid and do some research. The more you know the better you will be able to make decisions.

Physical exercise

• Physical exercise is important to your health. You will feel better with just 30 minutes a day. Working up a sweat with physical activity can help your heart, will give you more energy and stimulate your muscles! Give it a try it doesn’t take much! (www.fitness.gov/10tims.htm )

• Limit the time you spent on computers, videogames, and watching TV. Get up and out of the house for some physical activity or try a game that stimulates the brain! Try something new! (www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/childhood-obesity.htm )

Neighborhood

• Always look both ways when crossing the street!

• Don’t talk or take things from strangers. Have a password system with your kids!

• Trust your instincts.

• Always test your smoke detectors and have a plan in care of emergencies like fires, earthquakes, blackouts etc.

• Helmets and other protective gear can save lives so be sure to wear the appropriate equipment when riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, skates or rollerblades etc.

• Make sure to throw away garbage and recyclable material in their proper places. Having a clean neighborhood helps to have a safe neighborhood.